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Queen (Queen album)

by Queen

Released: July 13, 1973

Hard rock, heavy metal, progressive rock

musicOnOff editorial

Why This Album Matters

This album matters because its strongest editorial story is: Breakthrough.

The Album

"Queen" is the debut studio album by the British rock band Queen, released on 13 July 1973 by EMI Records in the UK and Elektra Records in the US. Drummer Roger Taylor contributed both writing and vocals on "Modern Times Rock and Roll". The album is characterized by its blend of heavy metal and progressive rock influences.

Inside the Recording

Recorded at Trident Studios and De Lane Lea Music Centre in London, the album features production by Roy Thomas Baker, John Anthony, and the band members themselves.

Stories and details

Interesting Facts

Lyrically, the songs explore diverse themes, ranging from…

Lyrically, the songs explore diverse themes, ranging from folklore in tracks like "My Fairy King" to religious references in "Jesus".

Lead singer Freddie Mercury contributed five tracks, including…

Lead singer Freddie Mercury contributed five tracks, including the standout "Liar".

Lead guitarist Brian May penned four songs, including…

Lead guitarist Brian May penned four songs, including "Doing All Right", co-written with Tim Staffell during their time in the band Smile.

The album concludes with a short instrumental version…

The album concludes with a short instrumental version of "Seven Seas of Rhye", which was expanded into a full version on their subsequent album, "Queen II".

Watch and listen

Explore the Album

Queen - Queen (Queen album)

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Then

Reception

While it did not achieve significant commercial success initially, the album laid the foundation for Queen's future achievements and cemented their place in the rock music scene. "Queen" received positive reviews upon its release and set the stage for the band's distinctive sound and theatrical style.

Full background

The Complete Album Story

"Queen" is the debut studio album by the British rock band Queen, released on 13 July 1973 by EMI Records in the UK and Elektra Records in the US. Recorded at Trident Studios and De Lane Lea Music Centre in London, the album features production by Roy Thomas Baker, John Anthony, and the band members themselves.

The album is characterized by its blend of heavy metal and progressive rock influences. Lyrically, the songs explore diverse themes, ranging from folklore in tracks like "My Fairy King" to religious references in "Jesus". Lead singer Freddie Mercury contributed five tracks, including the standout "Liar". Lead guitarist Brian May penned four songs, including "Doing All Right", co-written with Tim Staffell during their time in the band Smile. Drummer Roger Taylor contributed both writing and vocals on "Modern Times Rock and Roll". The album concludes with a short instrumental version of "Seven Seas of Rhye", which was expanded into a full version on their subsequent album, "Queen II".

"Queen" received positive reviews upon its release and set the stage for the band's distinctive sound and theatrical style. While it did not achieve significant commercial success initially, the album laid the foundation for Queen's future achievements and cemented their place in the rock music scene.